A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with an implanted vagus nerve stimulation system

Fetzer S, Dibue M, Nagel AM, Trollmann R (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article, Review article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

Neuroradiology Springer Verlag (Germany)

Abstract

Purpose Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective adjunctive treatment for drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) and difficult-to-treat depression (DTD). More than 125.000 patients have been implanted with VNS Therapy (R) System (LivaNova PLC) since initial approval. Patients with DRE often require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain during the course of their disease. VNS Therapy System devices are labeled to allow MRI under certain conditions; however, there are no published comprehensive articles about the real-world experience using MRI in patients with implanted VNS devices. Methods A systematic review in accordance with PRISMA statement was performed using PubMed database. Full-length articles reporting MRI (1.5 T or 3 T scanner) of patients with implanted VNS for DRE or DTD and published since 2000 were included. The primary endpoint was a positive outcome that was defined as a technically uneventful MRI scan performed in accordance with the VNS Therapy System manufacturer guidelines and completed according to the researchers' planned scanning protocol without harm to the patient. Results Twenty-six articles were eligible with 25 articles referring to the VNS Therapy System, and 216 patients were included in the analysis. No serious adverse events or serious device-related adverse events were reported. MRI scan was prematurely terminated in one patient due to a panic attack. Conclusion This systematic review indicates that cranial MRI of patients with an implanted VNS Therapy System can be completed satisfactorily and is tolerable and safe using 1.5 T and 3 T MRI scanners when performed in adherence to the VNS manufacturer's guidelines.

Authors with CRIS profile

Armin Michael Nagel Professur für metabolische und funktionelle MR-Bildgebung Regina Trollmann Professur für Kinder- u. Jugendmedizin Schwerpunkt Neuropädiatrie

Involved external institutions

Livanova Deutschland GmbH (vormals SORIN GROUP)

Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Fetzer, S., Dibue, M., Nagel, A.M., & Trollmann, R. (2021). A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with an implanted vagus nerve stimulation system. Neuroradiology. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00234-021-02705-y

MLA:

Fetzer, S., et al. "A systematic review of magnetic resonance imaging in patients with an implanted vagus nerve stimulation system." Neuroradiology (2021).

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